During a speech at the House of Commons, conservative MP Nigel Adams appealed to British Prime Minister David Cameron to remember “those who fell 30 years ago,” referring to the 1982 Falklands/Malvinas war, “and to oppose any further World Bank loans to Argentina.”
“Argentina continues to dispute for the sovereignty over the islands and also continues to receive billions of pounds from the UK through the World Bank,” he claimed.
Cameron reiterated that he fully supported the planned Falklands Islands referendum over its sovereignty, claiming that their views “do matter.”
“Argentina is constantly trying to hide this argument,” the prime minister said. “I hope they will speak loud and clear and Argentina will listen.”
However, he denied that any portion of the British taxpayer’s money supports Argentine funds.
A detailed report from the TaxPayer’s Alliance revealed that Argentina has outstanding loans of £225m, based on the UK’s World Bank shares.
The TaxPayers’ Alliance launched an online petition yesterday, urging British ministers to oppose further loans to the World Bank. The request was published on the British government’s official website.
“Britain can and should act to stop further World Bank loans to Argentina,” said a Taxpayers’ Alliance spokesman. This is a key opportunity to show that our aid policy reflects rather than ignores Britain’s broader national interests.”
A spokesman for the Department of International Development has stated that “no British taxpayers’ money is spent on World Bank loans to Argentina. The Secretary of State will consider Britain’s position on any future World Bank loans when the time comes.”
June 14th marks 30 years since the end of the Falklands/Malvinas war.
